CBD advocates boast of innumerable health benefits for human beings… but what about our pets?
Many dog and cat owners have wondered about administering CBD as a safe, natural remedy for their four-legged friends, potentially using the substance to alleviate chronic pain or address serious anxiety. (Anyone with a dog who goes bonkers at the sound of thunder knows how real the frustration can be.)
The reality is that, as of right now, there is fairly minimal research regarding the use of CBD to treat dogs and cats. What research is present, however, is promising, and may at least convince pet owners that it’s worth having a deeper conversation with their vet.
What is CBD?
Before we get into pet concerns, it may be helpful to review some CBD basics.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, refers to a group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. It binds and interacts in various ways with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates key functions, including inflammation.
CBD has become popular as a holistic health supplement, used to treat a range of issues in human beings: Chronic pain, stress, and beyond. It does not have the psychoactive effects associated with THC, which is a key to its popularity; taking CBD does not produce a euphoric “high” or a sense of inebriation.
How is CBD Given to Pets?
Many pet owners, and even veterinary researchers, have speculated that CBD might help dogs and cats in roughly the same way that it helps humans. One common question from animal enthusiasts: Exactly how can CBD be administered to a pet?
The short answer: CBD can be administered to your pet in the same forms that you might take it yourself. These include:
- Oil tinctures (which can be added to food or placed directly under the animal’s tongue) oil is typically the most popular.
- Topical applications
- Edibles (e.g., chewable treats infused with CBD)
How Does CBD Help Dogs and Cats?
Of course, the real question is whether CBD can promote health and wellbeing in dogs and cats, just as it does in humans. For instance, it is established that dogs do have an endocannabinoid system. Whether CBD interacts with a dog’s endocannabinoid system in the same way it interacts with a human’s… that’s something researchers have yet to determine.
With that said, there is some early research that shows real promise. Consider findings from just a couple of representative studies:
- One study has found that CBD may improve comfort and increase physical activity among dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.
- A different study concluded that CBD might help reduce the frequency of seizures in epileptic dogs.
There’s clearly a need for further investigation, particularly regarding the use of CBD to help cats. But given that so few pharmaceutical remedies exist, and that the ones that do exist often have significant side effects, many veterinarians are cautiously optimistic about the benefits of CBD for our furry friends.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
That brings us to still another pressing question: Is CBD safe for dogs and cats?
Generally speaking, the consensus seems to be that CBD has little risk of side effects when carefully dosed and administered. With that said, pet owners should be aware that CBD can potentially cause complications for dogs that have already exhibited signs of liver disease.
A few general tips for ensuring the safety of your beloved pet:
- Always talk with your vet before administering CBD as a treatment.
- Start with a small dose, monitor the effect, and increase the dose only when needed.
- Buy your CBD from a trusted manufacturer with a good reputation. CBD products made in the USA are ideal, as the standard of quality assurance are fairly high.
Explore Your CBD Options with Asé Pure Naturals
CBD has provided safe, holistic relief for countless human beings. Now, it holds promise for its application among dogs and cats. This should come as a huge encouragement to pet enthusiasts everywhere!
Questions about CBD? Ready to explore some different types of CBD products? We’d love to walk you through the options. Take a moment to explore our inventory of natural, holistic, vegan options, cruelty-free, non-GMO CBD products, all made in the USA, at your next convenience.
